Entertainment

Celebrity Autographs

Lot 387
Armstrong, Louis (1900-1971).Famed American jazz singer and trumpeter.

Signed Photograph ("Louis Armstrong"). Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in blue ink, "To Hanns". Matted and framed to an overall size of 10½ x 12½". Ink is a bit faded. Otherwise in very good to fine condition.

Here, the musical innovator holds his instrument and flashes a gleaming smile.
Estimated Value $175-275.

Lot 388
Astaire, Adele (1898-1981) Fred Astaire's sister and original dance partner, Adele became a major star as the duo moved through vaudeville and onto Broadway. Adele retired and married Lord Francis Cavendish in 1932.

Signed Photograph ("Adele Astaire"). Sepia tone, 8 x 10, n.p., n.d. Inscribed in black ink at bottom "To Arlene with love, Merrily Yours, " Foxing, dampstaining and mat burns throughout, but the picture and inscription remain very presentable and it would be possible to mat the picture so the majority were not obvious. Fair to good condition.

Probably photographed in the very early 1920s, graceful Adele poses atop a delicate bench, revealing a bit of ankle.
Estimated Value $50-75.

Count Dracula's Cape!

Lot 389
Bela Lugosi is Dracula (1882-1956) Hungarian-born actor whose portrayal of "Count Dracula" in the 1931 Universal release Dracula became the most recognized characterization of that villian. Lugosi created his bloodsucker in the 1927 Broadway version of Bram Stoker's novel and continued with the play during its 1928-29 West Coast run, causing a sensation in Hollywood and garnering the attention of the studios. Once on-screen, Lugosi's mesmerizing Count became one with Lugosi himself and the talented actor found himself somewhat typecast, although he did enjoy the recognition the role brought him and adopted the part of a vampire in several other movies. One of the organizers of the Screen Actors Guild, Lugosi continued to be a presence in Hollywood until his death in 1956, at which time he was buried in full Dracula regalia.

Hollywood history! A Signed Photograph ("Bela Lugosi"). Black and white, 6 x 7¾", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in black ink "To George Raiser / sincerely". Beautifully matted and framed to 32½ x 31", with fabric from the lapel of Lugosi's Dracula costumes, a note indicating the source of the fabric and a page depicting two half sheet posters advertising Dracula. The signature on the photo appears to be genuine, but we cannot guarantee it. Obviously, the most important part of this lot is the fabric from Dracula's cape and that provenance is secure. Not examined out of frame, appears to be very fine.

An exceptional piece of memorabilia, as the handsome presentation note by science fiction icon Forrest J. Ackerman indicates that the cape section in this presentation was worn by Lugosi on stage as "Count Dracula" and in the film Plan 9 From Outer Space (1956). Sadly, Lugosi died two days into shooting Plan 9 and his remaining scenes were played by an actor with the cape draped over his face. This item is a great way to remember one of the great figures of the silver screen.
Estimated Value $1,000-UP.

Lot 390
Bergen, Edgar and Marcel Marceau. 1. Bergen, Edgar. Signed Photograph ("Edgar Bergen and Charlie"). Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in black ink, "To Hans, and a thousand thanks from". Matted and framed to an overall size of 10¼ x 12½". Ink has smeared affecting the second letter of "Bergen". Otherwise, fine. 2. Marceau, Marcel. Signed Photograph (" Marcel Marceau"). Black and white, 10 x 8", n.p., n.d. Indistinctly inscribed in black ink, "To Hanns..." Matted and framed to an overall size of 12¾ x 10¾". In excellent condition.

Here we offer signed photographs from a pair of beloved performance artists: Edgar Bergen handsomely appears with the mouthpiece Charlie McCarthy, while Marcel Marceau, in full face-paint, is in the midst of conveying a message.
Estimated Value $100-250.

Lot 391
Berkeley, Busby (1895-1976). Great American choreographer of movie musicals who, despite his natural talent, never had a dance lesson in his life.

Signed Photograph ("Busby Berkeley"). Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in black ink, "With best wishes". Framed to an overall size of 8½ x 10½". Berkeley has signed in the dark portion of the photo, and ink does not provide much of a contrast. Still, the lot is in very good condition.

A dapper Berkley poses with an intense expression, typical of the concentration he displayed on the set.
Estimated Value $125-175.

Lot 392
Bernhardt, Sarah (1844-1923) The "Divine Sarah", the most famous actress of the 19th century. Bernhardt's talent, beauty and magnificent voice captivated the world for over 50 years.

Autograph Letter Signed ("Sarah Bernhardt"). In French. Two pages, octavo, Paris, n.d. On Bernhardt's personal stationery with mourning border. One pencil notation, otherwise fine.
Estimated Value $300-350.

Lot 393
Bogart, Humphrey (1899-1957) American actor whose world-weary looks and demeanor translated into screen portrayals of men on the edge of society who hid their vulnerability behind tough-as-nails personas. Bogart won an Oscar for his work on African Queen.

Signature ("Humphrey Bogart"). Clipped signature 3 x. 1½", n.p., n.d. Pasted on 5¼ x 4" album page. Minor toning at edges, tip of bottom flourish on "H" trimmed away. Good to very good condition.

Obviously clipped from a document, this is a nice example of Bogart's signature.
Estimated Value $750-850.

Lot 394
Brice, Fanny and Burke, Billie. Signatures ("Fanny Brice" and "Billie Burke"). One page, 2½ x 4". n.p., n.d. Pencil on an album page. Lucille Ball has signed on verso. Foxing and toning to edges, with minor soil. Good condition.

Although it appears our collector was very interested in keeping autographs alphabetical, funny ladies Brice and Burke may have signed at the same event, as they appeared together in 1938's Everybody Sing.
Estimated Value $200-250.

Lot 395
Cantor, Eddie. Autographed Note Signed (" Eddie Cantor"). One page, recto and verso, quarto, n.d., n.d. On a letter addressed to Mr. Cantor from one Hanns H. Kolmar who writes on Marquette Hotel stationery. In black ink. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope (on Santa Barbara Biltmore stationery) and a two page film treatment, presumably authored by Kolmar. Two horizontal folds, slight toning, and the ink has smeared affecting one word. In very good condition overall.

In response to the request of Mr. Kolmar, here Eddie Cantor adds his thoughts to the bottom of a letter written by Kolmar. It seems that Kolmar had conducted an interview with Cantor in which Kolmar mentioned an idea he had for a possible film. Politely, Cantor agreed to review his two page synopsis. As it turned out, Cantor did not quite feel the idea matched his image, and he suggests as much in this note: "I am returning the synopsis which you so kindly sent. It is too satirical and there is not enough scope for broad comedy which my public expects of me."
Estimated Value $125-150.

Lot 396
Chaplin, Charles (1889-1977) Actor and director, Chaplin's gift for comedy enchanted movie-goers in the early days of film as he developed the character "The Little Tramp".

Signature ("Charlie Chaplin"). One page, 5½ x 3½", n.p., "1934". In black ink on white card stock. Includes the inscription "Faithfully Yrs". One vertical crease, two faint fingerprints to left side, otherwise fine condition.

A handsome autograph penned as Chaplin was getting ready to film what many believe to be his best film, ModernTimes.
Estimated Value $150-200.

Lot 397
Chevalier, Maurice (1888-1972). French born singer, actor, and all-around entertainer. Starting his career early, a young Chevalier began performing as a circus acrobat but it was in his teens that the singer and comedian adopted his trademark straw hat. After a stint in the French Army during World War I (where he was a prisoner of war for two years after being captured), Chevalier returned to film and sage and even earned his first Hollywood musical, "Innocents of Paris" in 1929. Following World War II, he toured the globe, entertaining the world with his one-man show. In 1958 he was awarded a special Oscar for his many contributions to the entertainment industry.

Typed Letter Signed ("Maurice Chevalier"). Two pages, quarto, "La Louque", April 17, 1970. On blue "La Louque" stationery. To "Eleanor". Transmittal folds, staple at top right corner, diagonal creases at corner, some faint creasing throughout. A bold signature. Very good condition.

Chevalier's gallantry and gallic charm pour forth in this letter to his editor, "Dear Eleanor". Concerned about the toll a publicity tour would take on his health, Chevalier wonders about alternate arrangements: "...At 82, running to every big City of America to promote my book would be cheapening and exhausting any old but still more if he has my name...Ouff...I have got it off my chest and I feel relieved, but I will only feel good when I hear that you, also, agree."
Estimated Value $150-200.

Lot 398
Clarke, Mae (1907-1992) On the receiving end of James Cagney's grapefruit in The Public Enemy, Clarke also made her mark in early talkies with an honest acting style that garnered great reviews, particularly in 1931 when she was featured in four successful films. Personal problems, followed by roles in assorted B movies, kept her from the renown her early performances promised but her roles in Frankenstein and Public Enemy assured her recognition by later generations of movie buffs.

Signed Photo ("Mae Clarke"). Black and white, 10 x 8", n.p., 1991. Inscribed in blue ink "To Lincoln -- Glad you asked. / Thank you - / Mae Clarke / 1991," with additional notation at border of picture "1931." Very minor buckling at right edge, otherwise fine condition.

Miss Clarke has signed a reprint of a studio publicity shot for Frankenstein. Here immortalized as "Elizabeth," fianceé to the mad doctor Frankenstein, Clarke is face-to-face with The Monster on her wedding day -- a pivitol scene as The Monster begins his final rampage. Boris Karloff's makeup and characterization of The Monster so disturbed Mae Clarke that Karloff resorted to wagging the little finger of his up-camera hand to remind her it was him. A great piece from one of the classics of the horror genre.
Estimated Value $100-200.

Lot 399
Colbert, Claudette and Rex Harrison. Signed Photo ("Claudette Colbert" and "Rex Harrison"). Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., n.d. Colbert signs in black ink, Harrison in blue. Accompanied by a playbill for the stageplay "Aren't We All?" With a few light, surface scratches. Still, in very good to fine condition.

In their golden years, these stars of the silver screen lend their signatures to this photograph, comfortably posing with warm smiles.
Estimated Value $75-125.

Lot 400
Coward, Nöel. Typed Letter Signed ("Nöel"). One page, quarto, n.p., October 3, 1965. On "Les Avants sur Montreaux" letterhead. To "My darling Manya". Transmittal folds, else fine.

A very personal letter about the death of a friend and illness of another, and then a segue into less weighty matters: "I was saddened to hear of Juliet Duff's passing...Thank heavens, the horror under Lornie's arm was benign. I don't think I could stand another of my loved ones helpless and suffering...The 'joint' you mention could be the villa at which Garbo regularly stays. I don't think there are two villas in Villefranche so star-spangled ugly! Yours, yours, yours."
Estimated Value $200-250.

Lot 401
Coward, Nöel (1899-1973) Actor, playwright, composer, the personification of wit and elegance. Author of some of the most brilliant plays of the 1930s and 40s, Coward wrote music, painted, traveled and appeared on stage until near the end of his life.

Signature ("Nöel Coward"). One page, 5½ x 3½", n.p., n.d. Blue ink on embossed "Nöel Coward" notecard. Fine condition.

Signed with an elegant flourish, this is exactly what one expects Nöel Coward's autograph to look like!
Estimated Value $100-125.

Lot 402
DeMille, Cecil B (1881-1959) Pioneering motion picture director, known for his spectacles and emphasis on production values.

Typed Letter Signed ("Cecil B deMille"). Two pages, quarto, Hollywood, August 20, 1956. On deMille's personalized Paramount Pictures letterhead. To Rabbi Edgar Magnin. Mailing folds, the second page has adhesive residue on the verso which faintly shows through. Fine condition.

DeMille's greatest film of the 1950s was The Ten Commandments, an epic production which garnered favorable reviews and praise from the clergy. Apparently Rabbi Magnin had conveyed similar sentiments to deMille and the director takes this opportunity to answer: "Your gracious letter expressing the feelings of yourself and Rabbi Dubin about The Ten Commandments has moved me deeply. When we first faced the task of bringing the great story of Moses to the screen our major concern was -- will we be worthy of the subject...Under Divine inspiration that [the script] was written over three thousand years ago. I am honored that you would have me share your pulpit at the Temple..."
Estimated Value $150-200.

Lot 403
DeMille, Cecil B. Signed Photograph ("Cecil B deMille"). Sepia tone, 7 x 9", Hollywood, July 1934. Blue fountain pen signed and inscribed "To Ida G. Corey -- Sincerely". Accompanied by a letter on DeMille letterhead from his secretary. Some silvering to dark areas of photo, very good condition.

A dramatic portrait of one of the men who made Hollywood the film capitol of the world.
Estimated Value $150-200.

Lot 404
Dietrich, Marlene (1901-1992). Sultry actress discovered by director Josef von Sternberg in Germany who cultivated a lengthy career by maintaining her risqué image.

Inscribed Photo Signed ("Marlene Dietrich"). Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in French in blue ink, "Por Vous!" Some minor surface scratches, with creases at both upper corners. Overall, in good condition.

Posing playfully for the camera, here Dietrich exudes her sex-appeal in this plunging velvet dress.
Estimated Value $125-175.

Lot 405
Disney, Walt (1901-1966). Famed animator, producer, and executive. A man who needs no introduction, Disney produced an entertainment empire on the heals of his eternally recognizable creation, Mickey Mouse. His first sound film, "Steamboat Willie", introduced the world to the lovable mouse and spawned a cast of familiar characters such as Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. Disney's company steadily released a string of classic animated films which won him, in total, some 29 Oscars. In 1955, this virtual franchise of family entertainment opened a theme park, aptly named "Disneyland." Disney died eleven years later.

Document Signed ("Walter E Disney"). Two pages, long quarto, Burbank, October 7, 1963. Being a contract between Disney and WED Enterprises concerning the film The Misadventures of Merlin Jones. Torn file holes at top, several staple holes, otherwise fine.

A strong Disney signature seals this contract. The Misadventures of Merlin Jones was one of Disney's family comedies, geared to providing wholesome entertainment. Starring those clean-cut kids, Tommy Kirk and Annette Funicello, Merlin Jones isn't the best of Disney's live action films, but it did spawn a sequel, The Monkey's Uncle.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.